The Marques of Bristol wants to build an initial 18 new houses as part of new development planned in Shotley.

Bristol Estates have applied to build the mix of two, three, four and five bedroom houses, along with 50 car parking spaces, on agricultural land between Shotley primary school and the Grade II listed Rose Farmhouse, off The Street in the middle of the village.

Aerial view of new development site and neighbours (Google Maps)

The outline panning application, meaning initial permission is sought to build the 11 full market value houses, with 11 affordable houses, although that does not include any social houses.

The applicant is asking that issues, such as access, appearance, design heritage and other planning matters are dealt with at a later stage when they make a full application.

It is understood, following an objection from Bristol Estates against the proposed development of 48 homes on the edge of the village, that they will look to double the amount of houses being built on their farm land and could go for the full 50, which Babergh has identified as the target to be built by 2030 as part of its emerging Local Plan, which would also make Shotley (and Chelmondiston) Core Villages.

Concerns have already been raised at the plans to create two more entrances off the main road, one using the existing school entrance, to access the two parts of the new development.

Shotley school entrace would be used to access new development

A public consultation process started today (Friday) and is one until Friday, January 30 and Babergh's panning committee is due to make its determination before March 30.

You can add your views online on the Babergh planning portal here using reference DC/22/06397.

Bristol Estates claimed in its design statement that: "This development proposal will provide 18 high-quality dwellings, public open space, as well as a boost to the economy through the spending power of new residents.

"Carefully designed to complement the existing settlement, reflecting the special features that make Shotley unique, the devel- opment takes into account the topographical, arboricultural and ecological characteristics of the site. Landscaping will contribute to a biodiversity net gain, as well as helping to integrate the new development with the existing area.

"The proposals provide a mixture of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties, at a density that is in keeping with the existing settlement. The development is permeable, with easy access into and around the site. This connectivity links the new development with the existing settlement.

"Open spaces will provide recreational and leisure space for new and existing residents alike. Meanwhile, private amenity spaces will be designed to continue the sense of tranquillity for new residents.

"The proposed development takes account of the physical and surrounding context, meets planning requirements, is of a sustainable nature and is of high quality design."

The Bristol Estate application is in addition to a controversial application to build 48 homes, including social and affordable homes, on land owned by Richard Wrinch and his family on the outskirts of the village.

Babergh planning committee members will visit the Wrinch site in the new year before making their determination.

Babergh planning portal here using reference DC/22/06397

*Bristol Estates represents the interests of the Hervey family, headed by the 8th Marquess of Bristol. It continues to own property and property related rights and interests in Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Essex and Brighton that it first acquired several centuries ago.